As a NASA Pathways intern, Gates Scholar, and G. Wayne Clough Tech Promise Scholar, J’Avani Stinson has devoted himself to the tenets of progress and service through his research, academics, and extracurriculars. Fueled by a lifelong love of science and devotion to helping others, Stinson, a second-year biology major from Stone Mountain, Georgia, hopes to use the generosities afforded to him to continue improving society.
Specifically, he hopes to obtain an M.D. and Ph.D. to study chronic pediatric diseases, a goal first discovered during his sister’s own diabetes diagnosis when she was 9 years old.
“Seeing the way my sister was treated, and later how some friends of mine with Sickle Cell or my aunt with leukemia were treated, just hearing stories and witnessing how they’ve been pushed aside by the healthcare system,” said Stinson. “All of that has inspired me to help get to the root of these problems, and find ways to better alleviate them, because it’s a lot of money, time, and pain that I’ve seen people go through.”
Stinson has undertaken several different research projects over the years, beginning in high school with the development of a research project that would use mathematical principles to identify the best strategy for playing UNO. With each step since then, he has explored research topics such as cellular mechanics, computational biology, and finally, neural systems and microgravity.
His most recent position at NASA proved especially interesting, as it was his first position strictly studying biology. Space is also a unique environment to study the components of disease, particularly cancer.
“Space has different properties than Earth, such as stronger radiation and microgravity,” said Stinson. “And cancer cells exhibit different behaviors, so, one of the things I and other researchers are looking at is what we can learn about disease on Earth based on cellular behaviors we see in space.”
After recently completing his first research rotation, Stinson hopes to return this summer to work in NASA’s Food Lab, which focuses on developing meals optimized for nutrition in space.
Journey to Tech
As a high school senior, Stinson did not initially consider Georgia Tech, believing he wanted to explore outside his home state. However, encouragement from his high school math teacher, a Tech graduate, ultimately inspired him to apply.
Once admitted, he connected with the Black Student Recruitment Team, a student organization on campus, whose support and sense of community highlighted Tech as the right choice. His decision was further validated when he was awarded the Tech Promise Scholarship — Tech’s need-based scholarship allowing Georgia students to pursue a debt-free degree — followed by the Gates Scholarship.
These scholarships came as a major relief to Stinson, who knew early on that financing his education would be a challenge to overcome. However, his grandmother, ever the believer in the grandson she raised, had told Stinson he would get his college paid for. Whether it be a grandmother’s intuition or manifestation, she was right.
“Our conversations about paying for college were her telling me I would get it paid for, guaranteed,” said Stinson. “And when I got the scholarship notification, she told me it was about time I found out what she already knew.”
Keeping It Going
Family remains Stinson’s primary source of motivation. His sister’s diabetes diagnosis initially drew him to the medical research field, and his young nephew inspires him to keep going.
“I want to make it a better world for him,” Stinson said. “He makes my world so bright.”
Stinson’s dedication to giving back extends to his community as well. He regularly finds ways to plug in to his hometown and on campus. Whether it be volunteering for a Science Olympiad tournament, going back home for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day of service, or lending himself to Tech Promise promotional events, Stinson can often be found giving back his free time for the benefit of others.
Contribute Today to Transform Tomorrow
Experiences like J’Avani’s were made possible by contributions to Transforming Tomorrow: The Campaign for Georgia Tech. Thanks to the support of alumni and friends, this comprehensive campaign is bringing unparalleled advancements to the Institute and building a foundation to support our students, advance our research and innovation, enhance our campus and our community, and expand our impact at home and around the world. To learn more and support the campaign, visit https://transformingtomorrow.gatech.edu/
